In an interview broadcast by public broadcaster KBS, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol said: Although his country could develop nuclear weapons in a short time if a decision were made, this option would be “unrealistic”. due to the associated consequences of economic sanctions.
Yoon pointed out that If South Korea decides to develop nuclear weapons, it will face numerous economic sanctions similar to those imposed on North Korea. This scenario, the president said, would have a significant impact on the South Korean economy. Consequently, he believes that this is the case It is more practical and in line with national interests to strictly adhere to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
The South Korean president’s comments come in the context of growing voices within the country They advocate considering the possibility of developing one’s own nuclear arsenal. This approach aims to counter the North Korean regime’s nuclear weapons without relying solely on the United States’ deterrence mechanism, which raises doubts among many South Koreans about its readiness and effectiveness.
Although Yoon acknowledged South Korea’s advanced scientific and technological level, He assured that developing nuclear weapons would not be a time-consuming task. However, he stressed the importance of complying with the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty as a measure that best suits the country’s national interests.
These comments from the South Korean president come at a time of high tensions with North Korea. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un recently declared the South his country’s main enemy and declared that reconciliation and reunification were no longer possible. In response, North Korea has conducted military exercises and weapons tests, while Seoul and Washington have strengthened their deterrence and military cooperation mechanisms, raising tensions on the peninsula to historic levels.
dmr